What is hard money vs soft money?

Category: business and finance real estate industry
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"Hard" and "soft" money
Contributions made directly to a specific candidate are called hard money and those made to parties and committees are called soft money. Soft money constitutes an alternative form of financing campaigns that emerged in the last years.



Likewise, people ask, what is an example of hard money?

Hard money may refer to: Hard money (policy), currency backed by specie (as opposed to fiat currency) "Hard money" donations to candidates for political office (tightly regulated, as opposed to unregulated "soft money")

Similarly, what means hard money? A hard money loan is a specific type of asset-based loan financing through which a borrower receives funds secured by real property. Hard money loans are typically issued by private investors or companies.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what is a Soft Money Loan?

By definition, a soft money loan is a more traditional loan with a below-market interest rate. This type of loan has longer repayment periods and interest holidays. A car loan would be a good example of a soft money loan.

Why is soft money illegal?

Soft money raised from 1993 to 2002 First, it prohibited national political party committees from soliciting or spending any soft money and prohibited state and local party committees from using soft money for activities that affect federal elections.

28 Related Question Answers Found

Are Hard Money Loans a Good Idea?

Hard money loans are a good fit for wealthy investors who need to get funding for an investment property quickly, without any of the red tape that goes along with bank financing. When evaluating hard money lenders, pay close attention to the fees, interest rates, and loan terms.

What is a 527?

A 527-organization or 527 group is a type of U.S. tax-exempt organization organized under Section 527 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 527). A 527 group is created primarily to influence the selection, nomination, election, appointment or defeat of candidates to federal, state or local public office.

Why is it called hard money?

It's called a “hard money” loan because it's harder to acquire and pay back than its soft money counterpart. Rather than looking at your credit score, however, hard money lenders decide whether to lend you money based on the property for which the funds will be used.

Who uses hard money?

A hard money loan is simply a short-term loan secured by real estate. They are funded by private investors (or a fund of investors) as opposed to conventional lenders such as banks or credit unions. The terms are usually around 12 months, but the loan term can be extended to longer terms of 2-5 years.

How do you qualify for a hard money loan?


The main requirement for obtaining a hard money loan is having the necessary down payment or equity in the property to serve as collateral for the loan. The minimum amount generally ranges from 25-30% for residential properties and 30-40% for commercial properties.

When was hard money created?

Hard money lending has its origins in the unique economic climate of the 1950s, precipitated by the end of World War 2 and the ensuing changes in both population and economic patterns.

What does a PAC do?

In the United States, a political action committee (PAC) is a 527 organization that pools campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation.

What happens if you default on a hard money loan?

Hard-money lenders are quick to foreclose when the borrower fails to cure the loan. Since the entire property was used as collateral, any portion of the loan amount that was paid back is forfeit. For example, if a business owner paid back $50,000 of a $65,000 loan, he lost the entire $50,000 paid.

Can I refinance a hard money loan?

Hard money loans can be a solution for homeowners in foreclosure. It lets them pay off the foreclosing lender with a hard money refinance that gives the homeowners some additional breathing room to sell the property or fix their credit enough to obtain long-term financing under more favorable terms.

What interest rate do private lenders charge?


The interest rates are usually higher. Current rates with traditional lenders sit below 5%, but private mortgage rates can go up to 20%. Fees can be higher as well, as it's an unregulated industry, so the broker and lender can set their fee.

What is a 70 hard money loan?

A hard-money loan is an interest only short-term loan for a real estate investor that allows them to purchase a property plus get additional cash to make repairs. Most hard money loans will lend up to 70% of the after repaired value (ARV). Hard money loans are given using the property as collateral.

Do Hard Money Lenders check credit?

Most hard money lenders perform credit checks when they receive a loan application. A low score, bankruptcies, IRS tax liens, and previous foreclosures are all components the lender takes into consideration when understanding an investor's track record.

Do hard money lenders require down payment?

The majority of hard money lenders out there DO require a down payment. They'll take a look at your credit score, experience, and maybe a few other factors, and then calculate your down payment from there. Most often, you'll be required to front 20% to 30% of the deal.

How does private lending work?

Private money lending is when individuals lend their own capital to other investors or professionally managed real estate funds, while securing said loan with a mortgage against real estate. At the end of the day, private money lending allows you to secure a loan with real estate that is worth much more than the loan.

How do I become a personal lender?


To become a lender, try micro lending through websites like Kiva, Prosper, and Lending Club. As a micro lender, you can loan borrowers money for things like paying off credit card debt with a lower interest rate, starting a small business, or financing a creative project.

Is it easy to get a hard money loan?

' Hard money loans are based predominantly on the value of property, versus a borrower's credit score or financial history. Even though hard money loans are faster and easier to get than conventional loans, borrowers still need to go through the underwriting process and qualify for specific terms.

What are hard money loans used for?

A hard money loan is a type of loan that is secured by real property. Hard money loans are considered loans of "last resort" or short-term bridge loans. These loans are primarily used in real estate transactions, with the lender generally being individuals or companies and not banks.